Mohale FM Tholoana Kanono, 29, a frequent defendant at the Hlotse Magistrate’s Court, has had his claims of police assault challenged in court by prosecution witnesses.
Kanono alleges that police officers shot him after arresting him for an armed robbery at a shop in Ha Setene, Leribe, claiming the shooting was meant to intimidate him into confessing. However, two witnesses called by the police to observe and listen as Kanono recounted the incident told the court a different story.
Masheane Lekhafola and Thabo Lelala testified that Kanono walked without difficulty alongside police officers to the shop in question. They further stated that he admitted to committing the robbery with two accomplices and confessed that he was the one carrying the firearm during the incident.
Kanono and his co-accused are also facing additional charges, including unlawful possession of firearms, in a separate case, along with several other offences.
